Against
all odds, making dreams come true.
For as long as she could remember, Florida Southern College
alumna Evett Simmons wanted to help people to improve
their lives. For 22 years, she has done just that by working
as an attorney in Florida. But Evett has done much more
than open the largest minority and woman-owned law firm
in Florida. She is using her many talents to help others
achieve their dreams.
This 58th President of the National Bar Association says
that "by every statistic, I should not be where I
am nor have what I have." Yet, Evett's faith and
determination have helped her become a woman of great
influence. As the first woman attorney appointed by The
Florida Bar to the Judicial Qualifications Commission,
Evett truly knows what it takes to make one's dream a
reality.
Evett is imparting the life-lessons she's learned to Florida
youngsters, encouraging high school students to consider
college and, later, law school, through the National Bar
Association Crump Law Camp. This political activist is
also involved with the PACE Center for Girls and is working
to construct a building for the local program. This law
firm partner is encouraging more diversity in the law
field by chairing her firm's Diversity Committee.
In her limited spare time, Evett wrote her first book
of poetry and prose entitled Sun Up to Sun Down. The
proceeds of the book are to benefit Evett's favorite charities
and children's programs. "We have a responsibility
to give back," she says. "We have received many
blessings, including those through our Phi Mu Sisters.
Some can give a lot and others can give only a little."
A Phi Mu Foundation supporter, Evett received a scholarship
from the Foundation to attend Mercer University's School
of Law. She now gives back to the Foundation because,
"just as someone sacrificed for my success, I must
contribute to the success of others."
|
| Evett
Simmons, Alpha Tau, is a well-respected
attorney, generous philanthropist and devoted
activist. She loves the friends that she made
in Phi Mu and is appreciative of the lessons
membership in Phi Mu can offer. Her hope is
that "we will place an even greater emphasis
on valuing our differences as well as our similarities."
Wise words from such a highly revered woman. |
| Reaching
for the Stars |
Evett
Simmons, Alpha Tau, shares her tips for success.
| 1. |
My
motto in law school was "short term pain
for long term gain." If it is worth having,
it is worth working for. |
| 2. |
If
you do not believe in yourself and your abilities,
why should others? |
| 3. |
Don't
be afraid to take calculated risk. Even if
you fail, you at least tried and are often
further along than you were before. |
|
|
